And just like that... Our 2026 Convention is over! We are so thankful to all of the attendees, speakers, volunteers, staff, and self-advocates who made this such an unforgettable experience. See you next year in Denver!
Read below for Convention videos, policy updates, Big Game Ball information, and even a chance to win your dream trip! | |
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One lucky winner will choose ONE incredible vacation package! Raffle Tickets $100 Each or 3 for $250 Winner Announced September 2nd
Choose from destinations including: - Yukon, Canada – See the Northern Lights
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Napa Valley, California – Wine Country Getaway
- Hyatt Resorts in Mexico or Punta Cana
- Cortona, Italy – Experience Tuscany
- Offshore Saltwater Fishing Adventure (Continental U.S.)
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New Orleans, Louisiana – The Big Easy
- Porto, Portugal
- Sedona, Arizona
- Lake Tahoe, Nevada
- Las Vegas, Nevada
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Any College Sports Game in the Continental U.S.
Your prize includes accommodations and the experiences listed in your selected package. Transportation and airfare are not included. |
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Big Game Ball
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Chick-Fil-A College Football Hall of Fame
Big Game Ball honors postsecondary education programs serving those with intellectual disability and individuals and organizations advancing opportunities for those with Down syndrome.
Join us in celebrating our four incredible honorees! -
Auburn University's EAGLES Program: EAGLES is Auburn University’s comprehensive transition program for students with intellectual disabilities. From academics and wellness to independent living and career readiness, the EAGLES Program empowers students to thrive.
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Baylor University’s Center for Disability and Flourishing: The Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing invests in research, training, outreach, and clinical services that promote the flourishing of people with disabilities, their families, and communities.
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Aaron Murray: As a national board member of Extra Special People, Aaron plays an active leadership role in advancing the organization’s mission on a national level—helping shape strategy, expand impact, and advocate for programs that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through sports, education, and community connection.
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21 Down: 21 Down is the film adaptation of the true life story of Caden Cox, the young man who overcame widespread obstacles and stigmas to become the first person with Down syndrome to play and score in a college football game.
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Chick-fil-A: Chick-fil-A consistently champions the IDD community through local restaurant initiatives, charitable grants, and intentional workplace inclusion efforts.
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Are you interested in sponsoring the 2026 Big Game Ball? Do you have items to donate to our silent auction? Email NDSC Development Coordinator Rachel Dekom at rachel@ndsccenter.org for more information! |
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National Down Syndrome Congress
Down Syndrome Policy Summit and Hill Day! Registration deadline: September 1st
NDSC is proud to announce that on September 29 - 30, 2026, we will be hosting the Down Syndrome Policy Summit at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.! This event will feature one full day of advocacy training, where advocates will take crash courses on policy and speaking with elected officials and their staff. The next day is a Hill Day. Advocates will take to Capitol Hill, where they will meet with their elected officials and staffers to advocate for policy that directly affects people with Down syndrome.
We cannot wait for you to #AdvocateWithUs!
We know that cost can make it harder to attend—and we’re committed to making sure everyone has the opportunity to be there. That’s why we’re excited to offer this peer-to-peer fundraising platform, designed to help remove financial barriers and make your trip possible. Through this platform, you can raise funds with support from your community to help cover your travel and hotel expense for you and your family, so you can focus on showing up, learning, and making an impact.
This peer-to-peer platform enables individuals to raise funds to help cover part of their travel expenses for themselves and their family members. Donations would help cover hotel stays and airfare or ticketed ground transportation (such as Amtrak or Greyhound) to and from the event. Additionally, 25% of all funds raised will support NDSC’s policy and advocacy efforts throughout the year.
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| | Gifts & Challenges Exchange - caregiver conversations and support for those supporting adults with Down syndrome age 30+ Family engagement sessions for parents and caregivers of adults with Down syndrome 30 and older. These are facilitated group discussions led by Dr. Dennis McGuire and other guest professional experts, covering a range of relevant topics. Next sessions: Each session will emphasize shared conversation and peer support. The sessions are not recorded and are limited to 50 attendees. |
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| Thursday, August 27
1:00 - 2:30 PM EST Helping to Secure the Financial Future of Individuals (of all ages) with Disabilities with MassMutual
When planning for the financial future of a loved one with a disability, there are many different aspects to consider, and planning will vary depending on their age. This workshop will discuss critical considerations for individuals of all ages who have a disability. We’ll review the importance of creating a life care plan, how it can help, and who should be involved. Learn crucial information and tools that may help in preparing for their financial future, such as government benefits, special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, and other legal and financial structures and considerations. Preparing for the financial future of a loved one with a disability can help ease the burden of the unexpected tomorrows. And help ensure that your loved one’s continued care and quality of life continues well into their future.
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Check out our Orlando recap video! |
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